Endeavor uses expressive styling, pleasant driving manners, and a roomy interior to challenge more-popular rivals such as the Nissan Murano, Honda Pilot, and Toyota Highlander. Mitsubishi’s troubled image means bargain prices, making the Endeavor a compelling choice for used SUV buyers on a budget.

Overview

Mitsubishi introduced a new car-type SUV for 2004, a midsize 5-passenger wagon based on the company’s 2004 Galant sedan platform. The Endeavor offered front- or all-wheel drive. Its only engine was a 3.8-liter V6, which was introduced with 215 hp. It gained 10 hp, to 225, in a mid-2004 model-year update. A 4-speed automatic with manual shift gate was the sole transmission.

LS, XLS, and Limited models were offered, and came with 2WD or with AWD that was not intended for severe off-roading and lacked low-range gearing. Endeavor had a liftgate with separate opening glass and came with 17-inch alloy wheels, 4-wheel disc brakes, and a tire-pressure monitor. ABS was optional on the 2WD LS and standard on other models. Traction control was standard on 2WD XLS and 2WD Limited models and optional on the 2WD LS. An antiskid/traction-control system was available for AWD Limiteds.

Front side airbags were standard on XLS and Limited versions and not offered on LS models. Curtain side airbags were unavailable. Also added midyear was optional DVD entertainment for XLS and Limited. Towing capacity was 3500 lb.

Yearly Updates

2005 Endeavor
For 2005, front side airbags became standard on the entry-level LS trim level.

2007 Endeavor
This car-type midsize SUV shuffles trim levels and adds curtain side airbags for 2007. Endeavor comes in LS form and new-for-’07 SE trim. SE replaces the ’06 Limited model. A navigation system is newly available, but DVD entertainment is no longer offered.

2008 Endeavor
The 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor gets a standard antiskid system on all models.

2009 Endeavor
Endeavor skipped the 2009 model year, but returned for 2010.

2010 Endeavor
Endeavor returned for 2010 with virtually no changes from its 2008 form.

2011 Endeavor
Endeavor gained some added standard features for 2011, but was otherwise unchanged for its final year.

Engines

transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive

The 2004-06 Endeavors’ sole engine was a 3.8-liter V6. It was rated at 215 HP for 2004, but gained 10 hp, to 225, in a mid-2004 model-year update. The sole transmission was a 4-speed automatic.

ohc V61

Engine Size (liters/cubic inches)

3.8/234

Engine HP

215-225

Engine Torque (lb-ft)

250-255

Avail. Trans.

EPA MPG (city/hwy)

MPG avg. as tested

5-speed automatic

17/22

16.6

1. 17/23 w/ 2WD.

Road Test

The Endeavor’s acceleration is strong off the line, but good midrange response requires quick use of the gas pedal to trigger a downshift from the smooth, quick-acting transmission. The easy-to-use manual-shift feature is a help on congested freeways and in hilly terrain. A test AWD Limited did 0-60 mph in 8.4 sec. A test AWD XLS averaged 16.8 mpg in mixed city/highway travel. A test AWD Limited averaged 15.3, including gas-eating performance runs. Mitsubishi recommended premium-grade fuel.

The Endeavor’s ride is soft but stable. It’s never jarring over bumps, with a pleasing absence of undue float on the highway and minimal side-to-side or fore-aft rocking motions. Handling is almost carlike–body lean in turns is well-controlled. There is some wander in highway crosswinds, but Endeavor is secure otherwise. The steering is precise, but grows too light as speed rises. The front-drive LS without optional traction control exhibits torque steer (pulling to one side) under full throttle acceleration from a stop. Brake-pedal travel is longer than ideal, but stopping power is good. There is noticeable highway wind rush from the front windshield-pillar area, but engine and road noise are nicely suppressed.

Interior controls and materials are an Endeavor strong point. Easily read instruments are ringed by stylish metal-finish plastic. Large, clearly marked audio and climate buttons and knobs are mounted in an accessible “boom box” structure protruding from dashboard. The XLS and Limited models add a dashtop audio/compass/climate display separate from actual controls; it can be hard to read in some light conditions. Switchgear is smooth and precise, with trendy blue dashboard illumination. Most materials are appropriate for the price range, though the LS’s seat cloth looks no more than utilitarian. The XLS has richer cloth. The Limited’s standard leather upholstery feels upscale.

Endeavor’s step-in height is moderate, so ingress and egress is easy. The standard tilt steering wheel and height-adjustable driver seat allow for a commanding view of the road. Head room is generous, but tall folks might wish for more leg room. Cloth seats are generously padded; Limited’s leather almost coddles. Visibility to the sides and rear is hurt by wide roof pillars, but the large outside mirrors help. There is ample head, leg, and toe room in the rear seat area, even with front seats well aft. Three fit with some squeezing. The rear seat’s cushions are slightly too soft for the best support but are comfortably chair-height. The rear seatbacks recline–a nice feature. Large door openings help entry and exit.

The separate-opening tailgate glass is handy, but the load floor has a high liftover. The rear 60/40 split seatback sections fold in a single motion without removing headrests, and sit nearly flat with floor. The spare-tire well and side-wall net store small items, and handy tie-down hooks abound. There are numerous cabin bins, a large console, and a generous glovebox. Regular-size soda cans are the limit for twin console cupholders, though. LS and XLS get four cupholders, while Limited has just two in the center armrest.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor Limited

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 5

50%

Fuel Economy - 4

40%

Ride Quality - 6

60%

Steering/Handling - 5

50%

Quietness - 5

50%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 7

70%

Room/Comfort Front - 7

70%

Room/Comfort Rear - 7

70%

Cargo Room - 8

80%

Other

Value - 5

50%

Total: 59

Specifications

4-door wagon

Wheelbase (in.)

Length (in.)

Width (in.)

Height (in.)

Weight (lbs)

108.7

190.2

73.6

67.3

Cargo Volume (cu/ft)

Payload Capacity (cu/ft)

Fuel Capacity (gal.)

Seating Capacity

76.4

21.4

5

Headroom

Legroom

Front

Rear

Front

Rear

39.6

38.7

41.4

38.5

Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 2004 Endeavor 4-door wagon

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5

100%

Front Passenger Injury - 4

80%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A

N/A0%

Rear Passenger Injury - N/A

N/A0%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision

N/A

Injury

N/A

Theft

N/A

Trouble Spots

Blower motor
Description: The radio and/or blower may quit working intermittently in hot, humid weather because the ignition key may not fully return to the run position. (2004)

Seat
Description: The driver’s clothes may snag on the seat side cover and break it. (2004-05)

Seat
Description: The driver’s seat may be difficult or impossible to adjust due to a broken cable. (2004-06)

Water leak
Description: Water on the passenger floor can be caused by foam or debris blocking the drain opening in the A/C unit. Debris can be kept out by replacing the air inlet grille on the cowl. (2004)

Transmission problems
Description: A flare when the transmission shifts from 2-3 may be due to damage in the rear housing requiring replacement of the housing as well as the reverse clutch assembly, seals, and bearings. (2004-05)

Check-engine light
Description: The check engine light may come on if there is a lean fuel condition caused by a vacuum leak or a manifold gasket leak from gasoline containing ethanol. (2004-06)

Recall History

2004
Description: In corrosive environments where road salts are frequently used in winter, vehicles may be exposed to road debris (mud) mixed with road salt. This material can become trapped between a reinforcing bracket and the fuel filler pipe, potentially causing corrosion. Over time, corrosion could create a leak in the fuel filler pipe that could result in a fuel leakage when fueling the vehicle. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire. Dealers will replace the fuel filler pipe with a new improved part free of charge.

2004-06
Description: The ignition key might be removed without putting the gearshift selector in the ‘park’ position. Dealers will inspect and correct these vehicles for the reported condition.

2005-07
Description: A fuel-tank mounting bracket may be faulty, potentially causing the fuel tank to fall and/or leak in the event of a collision. Dealers will inspect to see if the left rear fuel tank strap mounting bracket has splitting beyond a specific limit and replace affected parts.

2006-07
Description: The right side lower seatbelt anchor may separate during a severe vehicle crash, and not restrain its occupant. Dealers will replace the front passenger side seatbelt and bracket assembly.

2006-2008 Endeavor with manual air conditioning
Description: Due to an incorrect heater (HVAC) controller signal, the air flow from the air vents may randomly change direction and/or the temperature may briefly cycle between hot and cold. This condition could affect defroster performance, resulting in poor windshield visibility and potentially cause a crash. Dealers will inspect for damage and if necessary repair the mode door shaft free of charge.

Equipment Lists

Click on year to see equipment lists for all models offered for that model year.

Equipment Lists

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Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.